Piano Music by Five Women Composers - Virginia Eskin, piano

Piano Music by Five Women Composers liner notes

This dialog is part of a discussion between the pianist, Virginia Eskin, and musicologist Rawle Dryson. RD: Is there a specific purpose in making this record? is there any level which unifies these composers? VE: My intent is to offer a sampling of some particularly strong, well­made music which happened to be written by women composers. Too often I found, as a student, and as a concert-goer, that women composers were expected to produce vapid salon music. RD: Do you think there have been some great women composers who women overlooked? have women composers been subjugated? VE: I am not walking into that trap! This music, and much, much more by women composers belongs in the standard repertoire for performers and for listeners. How long it may stay there could be a test of its merit, its greatness, if any. Vogues in music change for com­posers of both sexes. Luck and promotion have revived interest in many a composer who has been largely unheard. Mendelssohn's special effort to present Bach's music is only one example of many such. Certainly it was true, and still is, that most people expect com­posers, authors, painters, to be men. I do not want to make any special case for women composers--just listen to them! "Lend me your ears .. RD: Is there something we should listen for in particular on this record! VE: I am happy to share with you my own impressions, although all of these composers have been published, performed, given critical recognition, earned awards and prizes, even though most concert­goers are unaware of this music.